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The Science of Soil: Geneva Provides Testing

(BEAVER FALLS, Pa.) – The Geneva College Chemistry Society has extended the deadline for submission of samples for soil testing until Friday, April 12 due to lingering winter weather. 

Each spring, the Geneva College Chemistry Society provides soil analysis for lawn and garden soil samples. As a service to the community, testing reveals soil acidity and nutrient content, such as potassium and phosphorous, enabling proper fertilization and treatment for best growing conditions.

Services are limited to the first 100 samples, and a donation of $1 is appreciated to cover analysis costs. Free testing is provided to Geneva College employees and alumni. Submissions run March 19 through April 3, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and can be dropped off outside room 212, Science & Engineering Building, Geneva Main Campus, Beaver Falls, PA.

Results will be mailed out to all participants the first week of May.

To obtain a sample from a lawn or garden, use a clean trowel to dig up a plug of soil approximately six inches in depth. A more representative sample may be obtained by taking several plugs and mixing them together. If possible, soil should be obtained when it is fairly dry. Spread the soil sample on a newspaper to dry indoors for at least 24 hours, mix thoroughly and break up lumps, place about one cup into a plastic bag, and label bag with name, address, and phone number. For problem areas, obtain separate samples.

With any questions, contact Dr. Kerry McMahon, Associate Professor of Chemistry – 724-847-6722.

A student-affiliate chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS), the Geneva College Chemistry Society has received recognition by the ACS for the quality of professional and service activities in 2005-06 and 2014-15.

Geneva College is a Christ-centered academic community that provides a comprehensive education to equip students for faithful and fruitful service to God and neighbor. Offering over 115 traditional undergraduate majors and programs, fully online Adult Degree Programs and high-demand graduate degrees, Geneva’s programs are recognized for their high quality. U.S. News & World Report ranks Geneva as a Top Three Best Value Regional University with one of the top engineering programs in the nation. Adhering to the truth of Scripture, a Geneva education is grounded in God’s Word as well as in a core curriculum designed to prepare students vocationally to think, write and communicate well in today’s world.

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Photo by Neslihan Gunaydin on Unsplash